The original Númenórean royal law of succession stated that the Sceptre of Númenor must go to a male heir, either the King's son or, if he had no son, to the nearest kinsman of male descent. During Malantur's life the King was Tar-Aldarion, his only child was a daughter, and as the nearest kinsman of male descent, Malantur was the King's presumptive heir.

However, in S.A.892 Tar-Aldarion changed the law of succession so that the eldest child of the King, whether man or woman, should receive the sceptre. He then named his daughter Ancalimë as his heir. The royal Council advised the King to amend the rule such that a female heir could refuse the sceptre, in which case the heir would become the nearest male kinsman of either male or female descent. Tar-Aldarion agreed to this change, so if Ancalimë had refused the sceptre it would have been her cousin Soronto who would have become the ruler of Númenor. Thus Malantur was denied the chance to become Númenor's seventh King.[2]

Etymology

Malantur's name is difficult to translate, but may incorporate the Quenya root for 'gold', mal-. The stem -ntur, 'commander', makes up the last part of his name.